I am a simple "ordinary" teacher that takes charge of her teaching job. I continue to accomplish so much because I love my job so much and I believe in what I do. I have taught for 32 years and been married for 34 years to a United States Air Force (USAF) Staff Sergeant retiree. I have four children-three girls and one boy. They've all graduated high school and some are still attending college. I am a Harlandale graduate and Our Lady of The Lake (OLLU) alumnae. I have been blessed to have grown-up in a loving home enriched with culture, tradition, love and freedom of expression. The things I value, respect and love the most are my faith and family. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced the frustration, pain, adventure, challenges, triumphs and unsuccessful trials that have helped me find and mold my identity. I have used and valued these experiences not as drawbacks but triumphant achievements. For I have learned how to turn adversity into my triumph and cherish those experiences as part of my ever changing life lessons. I learned without the support and strong inner strength of my faith and family - my accomplishments however big or small would not mean so much. My faith has guided and supported me throughout the years, continuing to inspire and guide me through the most difficult and best of times. As George Bernard Shaw once stated, "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." Like Mr. Shaw, I too value our community and value the opportunity I have to contribute as I can to it. I believe we all must do our best to establish an environment that our children and people in general can live healthy and fruitful lives. I have been very active with my community and school asking nothing in return. However, I have found that in simply giving I have received more than what I had given. I received a sense of purpose, meaning, love and appreciation of what it means to be a part of something more than one's self. Life for me despite its downfalls as well as its successes has been precious. My life experiences regardless of negative outcomes has been my greatest professor and guidance. Life's challenges has taught me the essence of living and has given me the courage to venture into my present endeavors today. I continue to learn, explore different, interesting, joyful experiences to motivate and teach students because I have a responsibility and accept the honor of being a part however small in building our children's futures. Teaching is a never ending quest. A quest I take whole heartily and seriously.